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| Old Testament Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1 – 7 (NASB) |
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| Isa 9:1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.
Isa 9:2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.
Isa 9:3 Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Isa 9:4 For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.
Isa 9:5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. |
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| New Testament Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:12 – 17 (NASB) |
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| Mat 4:12 Now when He heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;
Mat 4:13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Mat 4:14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Mat 4:15 “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI, BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, BEYOND THE JORDAN, GALILEE OF THE GENTILES–
Mat 4:16 “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND TO THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.”
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” |
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| Transforming Power Statements:
#1) The very best gift that we could ever get or give, is that perfect gift of God: His Son as full payment for our sins, which is obtained by knowledge and acceptance of the gospel of Jesus The Christ.
#2) The abundance of the “Perfect Gift” is immeasurable so there are no limits to how many may receive it; and it is God’s desire that everyone might receive it. (One size fits all!)
#3) The Perfect gift of God is also a surprise gift that contains other gifts within it: The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Joy unspeakable and full of glory, Peace like a river, supply of all our needs according to His riches in glory, etc. |
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